AFC Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe: We have nothing to fear from Championship

BOSS Eddie Howe has sounded out a defiant message on the eve of the new season and insists Cherries have nothing to fear from the Championship.

Cherries will be bidding to build on last season’s club-record 10th-placed finish when they kick off the campaign against Huddersfield at the John Smith’s Stadium tomorrow.

Previewing the season, Howe said: “I think we definitely saw progress during pre-season and, if we hadn’t, you would question what you were doing. I feel we are confident, the players are fit, which is the most important thing, and now we have to deliver a performance at Huddersfield.

“We are aware this is going to be a difficult season but I don’t believe we have anything to fear. We looked at last season as a challenge and tried to hit that head-on and this season will be no different.

“If we can keep the same principles as to how we go about our business – hard work and collective team-work – then I think we have a good chance to be very successful.

“My personal expectations are very high. I want us to improve and to do better than we did last season in all departments and in all ways.

“You have to set the bar very high internally because going the other way is of no use and will only see you move backwards. My drive is very strong and I am very ambitious personally so would like to think we can achieve everything that is possible to achieve. Whether we end up doing that is in the lap of the gods at times. We have prepared very well and it is all geared up to be successful.”

Howe added: “We can still be perceived as underdogs in probably 60 to 70 per cent of the games but we don’t view ourselves that way. We view ourselves as a professional outfit with a squad with one of the best attitudes in the Championship.

"We have a very good dressing room, full of really strong characters and very good professionals. In that sense, I have what I want in terms of a dressing room which is all pulling in the right direction and all craving success.”

Cherries registered an opening-day victory against Charlton at Dean Court last season before suffering a 6-1 defeat at Watford in their first away game in the Championship. And after bouncing back with a home win over Wigan, Howe’s men went down 5-1 to the Terriers in West Yorkshire.

“That game is long gone,” said Howe. “But we will certainly use that experience and I think it stayed with us, as did the Watford game. But they were positives for us. We are both different teams now and I don’t think that game will have any bearing on this one. It would be nice to go there and give a good display to show we have moved on as a team and, hopefully, we can do that.

“It will be a tough game and no matter where we were this week, it was always going to be a very difficult game. It is the first day of the season, everyone wants to win and everyone is keen to get off to a good start, as we did last year.

“Huddersfield are a decent side. They have a unique system with the 3-5-2 formation and I don’t think they veer too far from that so it will be a difficult game but one that we are looking forward to.”

Howe was keeping his cards close to his chest regarding the injury situation with Dan Gosling and Harry Arter both believed to be doubts. And it remains to be seen whether Lee Camp and Darryl Flahavan will be fit to travel having both been struggling with thigh injuries.

“We are trying to get everybody fit,” said Howe. “If we could get a full complement, we would have a very strong squad. But as with most pre-seasons, you don’t have everything your own way and inevitably pick up knocks and niggles. It has happened to our goalkeeping department this season and we will wait and see whether either will be fit.”

Howe added: “We have prepared every player to play. That is the only way you can get the best out of everybody so a lot of our training has been along the lines of every player could possibly come in and have a starting position.

“I think that is the best way to do it because you could be forced to make a change after five minutes so someone has to step in and know their role. All the players will know their roles and responsibilities. Different players will find out at different times whether they are playing. I think you have to treat every player differently.”

Comments (26)

We do seem to have an inordinate number of injuries for the start of a long Season, but that's what a squad is for. Eddie sorted the defence out last Season , though the Surman role was part of that and my concern is whether we can score against tight defending, particularly at home, when some sides come for a point and make life difficult for us with their negative tactics. Away, we counter attack well and have the pace to cause problems. Best of luck tomorrow lads..

We do seem to have an inordinate number of injuries for the start of a long Season, but that's what a squad is for. Eddie sorted the defence out last Season , though the Surman role was part of that and my concern is whether we can score against tight defending, particularly at home, when some sides come for a point and make life difficult for us with their negative tactics. Away, we counter attack well and have the pace to cause problems. Best of luck tomorrow lads..Square Old Codger

Yes here we go again - Gosling, Arter, Ward, Camp and Possibly Elphick all injured. Along with Buchel's inexperience.
.
If this is the case the chances of getting any kind of result at Huddersfield will be next to zero.

Yes here we go again - Gosling, Arter, Ward, Camp and Possibly Elphick all injured. Along with Buchel's inexperience.
.
If this is the case the chances of getting any kind of result at Huddersfield will be next to zero.smhinto

smhinto wrote:
Yes here we go again - Gosling, Arter, Ward, Camp and Possibly Elphick all injured. Along with Buchel's inexperience.
.
If this is the case the chances of getting any kind of result at Huddersfield will be next to zero.

Why should we bother turning up tomorrow then, just hand them the 3 points now?

Howe is forever playing games with pre-match injury talk, down-playing our hand to the opposition. We should know by now to take with a pinch of salt what Howe says pre-match about knocks.

And even if we are weak, Huddersfield have their own problems. Selling your best player on the eve of the season - what a kick in the wotsits for them.

[quote][p][bold]smhinto[/bold] wrote:
Yes here we go again - Gosling, Arter, Ward, Camp and Possibly Elphick all injured. Along with Buchel's inexperience.
.
If this is the case the chances of getting any kind of result at Huddersfield will be next to zero.[/p][/quote]Why should we bother turning up tomorrow then, just hand them the 3 points now?
Howe is forever playing games with pre-match injury talk, down-playing our hand to the opposition. We should know by now to take with a pinch of salt what Howe says pre-match about knocks.
And even if we are weak, Huddersfield have their own problems. Selling your best player on the eve of the season - what a kick in the wotsits for them.mark.s

Good morning to all. In for a penny in for a pound, how about this as a stab for the first 11. Buchel/ Francis, Cook Elphick, Daniels,/ O kane , Gosling, Pugh, Ritchie/ Kermogant/ Pitman. Discuss :-)

Good morning to all. In for a penny in for a pound, how about this as a stab for the first 11. Buchel/ Francis, Cook Elphick, Daniels,/ O kane , Gosling, Pugh, Ritchie/ Kermogant/ Pitman. Discuss :-)Fanfor45

Fanfor45 wrote:
Good morning to all. In for a penny in for a pound, how about this as a stab for the first 11. Buchel/ Francis, Cook Elphick, Daniels,/ O kane , Gosling, Pugh, Ritchie/ Kermogant/ Pitman. Discuss :-)

If fit Arter always starts for me ( & Eddie Howe!! ) I like pitman but would have Wilson up top with Yann because of his pace

[quote][p][bold]Fanfor45[/bold] wrote:
Good morning to all. In for a penny in for a pound, how about this as a stab for the first 11. Buchel/ Francis, Cook Elphick, Daniels,/ O kane , Gosling, Pugh, Ritchie/ Kermogant/ Pitman. Discuss :-)[/p][/quote]If fit Arter always starts for me ( & Eddie Howe!! ) I like pitman but would have Wilson up top with Yann because of his paceabc100

smhinto wrote:
Yes here we go again - Gosling, Arter, Ward, Camp and Possibly Elphick all injured. Along with Buchel's inexperience.
.
If this is the case the chances of getting any kind of result at Huddersfield will be next to zero.

For everyone's sake on this site please please please try to be a little more optimistic this season, at this point last season some on here were predicting all sorts of negativity on the team and certain players and we all know what happened, these prophets of doom made complete prats of themselves !!!!!

[quote][p][bold]smhinto[/bold] wrote:
Yes here we go again - Gosling, Arter, Ward, Camp and Possibly Elphick all injured. Along with Buchel's inexperience.
.
If this is the case the chances of getting any kind of result at Huddersfield will be next to zero.[/p][/quote]For everyone's sake on this site please please please try to be a little more optimistic this season, at this point last season some on here were predicting all sorts of negativity on the team and certain players and we all know what happened, these prophets of doom made complete prats of themselves !!!!!abc100

Fanfor45 wrote:
Good morning to all. In for a penny in for a pound, how about this as a stab for the first 11. Buchel/ Francis, Cook Elphick, Daniels,/ O kane , Gosling, Pugh, Ritchie/ Kermogant/ Pitman. Discuss :-)

See Stanislas playing instead of Pugh and Wilson for Pitman !.

[quote][p][bold]Fanfor45[/bold] wrote:
Good morning to all. In for a penny in for a pound, how about this as a stab for the first 11. Buchel/ Francis, Cook Elphick, Daniels,/ O kane , Gosling, Pugh, Ritchie/ Kermogant/ Pitman. Discuss :-)[/p][/quote]See Stanislas playing instead of Pugh and Wilson for Pitman !.Andifer

Fanfor45 wrote:
Good morning to all. In for a penny in for a pound, how about this as a stab for the first 11. Buchel/ Francis, Cook Elphick, Daniels,/ O kane , Gosling, Pugh, Ritchie/ Kermogant/ Pitman. Discuss :-)

See Stanislas playing instead of Pugh and Wilson for Pitman !.

[quote][p][bold]Fanfor45[/bold] wrote:
Good morning to all. In for a penny in for a pound, how about this as a stab for the first 11. Buchel/ Francis, Cook Elphick, Daniels,/ O kane , Gosling, Pugh, Ritchie/ Kermogant/ Pitman. Discuss :-)[/p][/quote]See Stanislas playing instead of Pugh and Wilson for Pitman !.Andifer

smhinto wrote:
Yes here we go again - Gosling, Arter, Ward, Camp and Possibly Elphick all injured. Along with Buchel's inexperience.
.
If this is the case the chances of getting any kind of result at Huddersfield will be next to zero.

Why focus on the injured players, this squad is very strong and we will need every member of that squad throughout the season including tomorrow. Yes we have a few injuries but we have at least one player in each position to come in who's had a decent pre season. We haven't even kicked a ball you need to get get off your high horse and listen to others!

I for one am excited to see who starts tomorrow and am very confident we can play well and bring home the three points! UTCIAD!

[quote][p][bold]smhinto[/bold] wrote:
Yes here we go again - Gosling, Arter, Ward, Camp and Possibly Elphick all injured. Along with Buchel's inexperience.
.
If this is the case the chances of getting any kind of result at Huddersfield will be next to zero.[/p][/quote]Why focus on the injured players, this squad is very strong and we will need every member of that squad throughout the season including tomorrow. Yes we have a few injuries but we have at least one player in each position to come in who's had a decent pre season. We haven't even kicked a ball you need to get get off your high horse and listen to others!
I for one am excited to see who starts tomorrow and am very confident we can play well and bring home the three points! UTCIAD!nicoAFCB

smhinto wrote: Yes here we go again - Gosling, Arter, Ward, Camp and Possibly Elphick all injured. Along with Buchel's inexperience. . If this is the case the chances of getting any kind of result at Huddersfield will be next to zero.

For everyone's sake on this site please please please try to be a little more optimistic this season, at this point last season some on here were predicting all sorts of negativity on the team and certain players and we all know what happened, these prophets of doom made complete prats of themselves !!!!!

It is fair to say that during pre season niggly injuries happen, it is a simple fact of football i'm afraid.
.
And yes Eddie may well be playing mind games concerning our injuries.
.
However, the fact remains, an injury crisis involving key players i.e. the goalkeeping situation and possibly having Ater and Gosling missing and no experience between the sticks will have an effect on the outcome of the game. If we were playing at home we may get away with it. We are playing away remember against a side who would want to impress at home.
.
It is not negativity at all - It is a simple fact of the game i.e injuries to key players will cost us results !!.
.
Regards

[quote][p][bold]abc100[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]smhinto[/bold] wrote: Yes here we go again - Gosling, Arter, Ward, Camp and Possibly Elphick all injured. Along with Buchel's inexperience. . If this is the case the chances of getting any kind of result at Huddersfield will be next to zero.[/p][/quote]For everyone's sake on this site please please please try to be a little more optimistic this season, at this point last season some on here were predicting all sorts of negativity on the team and certain players and we all know what happened, these prophets of doom made complete prats of themselves !!!!![/p][/quote]It is fair to say that during pre season niggly injuries happen, it is a simple fact of football i'm afraid.
.
And yes Eddie may well be playing mind games concerning our injuries.
.
However, the fact remains, an injury crisis involving key players i.e. the goalkeeping situation and possibly having Ater and Gosling missing and no experience between the sticks will have an effect on the outcome of the game. If we were playing at home we may get away with it. We are playing away remember against a side who would want to impress at home.
.
It is not negativity at all - It is a simple fact of the game i.e injuries to key players will cost us results !!.
.
Regardssmhinto

smhinto wrote:
Yes here we go again - Gosling, Arter, Ward, Camp and Possibly Elphick all injured. Along with Buchel's inexperience.
.
If this is the case the chances of getting any kind of result at Huddersfield will be next to zero.

Nice to see another positive comment from you!!!

[quote][p][bold]smhinto[/bold] wrote:
Yes here we go again - Gosling, Arter, Ward, Camp and Possibly Elphick all injured. Along with Buchel's inexperience.
.
If this is the case the chances of getting any kind of result at Huddersfield will be next to zero.[/p][/quote]Nice to see another positive comment from you!!!cherryexe

smhinto wrote: Yes here we go again - Gosling, Arter, Ward, Camp and Possibly Elphick all injured. Along with Buchel's inexperience. . If this is the case the chances of getting any kind of result at Huddersfield will be next to zero.

For everyone's sake on this site please please please try to be a little more optimistic this season, at this point last season some on here were predicting all sorts of negativity on the team and certain players and we all know what happened, these prophets of doom made complete prats of themselves !!!!!

It is fair to say that during pre season niggly injuries happen, it is a simple fact of football i'm afraid.
.
And yes Eddie may well be playing mind games concerning our injuries.
.
However, the fact remains, an injury crisis involving key players i.e. the goalkeeping situation and possibly having Ater and Gosling missing and no experience between the sticks will have an effect on the outcome of the game. If we were playing at home we may get away with it. We are playing away remember against a side who would want to impress at home.
.
It is not negativity at all - It is a simple fact of the game i.e injuries to key players will cost us results !!.
.
Regards

You ARE negative, and you never fail. It's pretty obvious, if all those you mention are out they will be missed, but instead of being a doom and gloom merchant, why not look at the positives, and that is we have some excellent youngsters (those not on loan). Take Matthews as an example, he may be young, but he is an outstanding talent, and if called upon he'd let no one down, same obviously goes for Cargill, plus others. You're also forgetting we have Macca to come in. We may not have the biggest squad, but we'd still be a match for many teams. I suppose, if we were to lose at Uddersfield, you'll have us down for relegation!! GET A GRIP for goodness sakes, as I don't often read many of your posts, I lose the will to live, I just made an error, and did so today LOL... UTCIAD

[quote][p][bold]smhinto[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]abc100[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]smhinto[/bold] wrote: Yes here we go again - Gosling, Arter, Ward, Camp and Possibly Elphick all injured. Along with Buchel's inexperience. . If this is the case the chances of getting any kind of result at Huddersfield will be next to zero.[/p][/quote]For everyone's sake on this site please please please try to be a little more optimistic this season, at this point last season some on here were predicting all sorts of negativity on the team and certain players and we all know what happened, these prophets of doom made complete prats of themselves !!!!![/p][/quote]It is fair to say that during pre season niggly injuries happen, it is a simple fact of football i'm afraid.
.
And yes Eddie may well be playing mind games concerning our injuries.
.
However, the fact remains, an injury crisis involving key players i.e. the goalkeeping situation and possibly having Ater and Gosling missing and no experience between the sticks will have an effect on the outcome of the game. If we were playing at home we may get away with it. We are playing away remember against a side who would want to impress at home.
.
It is not negativity at all - It is a simple fact of the game i.e injuries to key players will cost us results !!.
.
Regards[/p][/quote]You ARE negative, and you never fail. It's pretty obvious, if all those you mention are out they will be missed, but instead of being a doom and gloom merchant, why not look at the positives, and that is we have some excellent youngsters (those not on loan). Take Matthews as an example, he may be young, but he is an outstanding talent, and if called upon he'd let no one down, same obviously goes for Cargill, plus others. You're also forgetting we have Macca to come in. We may not have the biggest squad, but we'd still be a match for many teams. I suppose, if we were to lose at Uddersfield, you'll have us down for relegation!! GET A GRIP for goodness sakes, as I don't often read many of your posts, I lose the will to live, I just made an error, and did so today LOL... UTCIADAfcbpete

I'm so gutted to be moving to Scotland for a year this september!!!
But rest assured every game that is played I'll be itching for Bournemouth victories. Hopefully I shall return to England in hopes Bournemouth are in the top flight.

(Then I really won't be able to get any tickets!)

I'm so gutted to be moving to Scotland for a year this september!!!
But rest assured every game that is played I'll be itching for Bournemouth victories. Hopefully I shall return to England in hopes Bournemouth are in the top flight.
(Then I really won't be able to get any tickets!)YafcbY

smhinto wrote:
Yes here we go again - Gosling, Arter, Ward, Camp and Possibly Elphick all injured. Along with Buchel's inexperience.
.
If this is the case the chances of getting any kind of result at Huddersfield will be next to zero.

what the 'kcuf' are you doing on here if you cannot give even a hint of positiveness about our tea, are you suicidal or do you just play at it! I know that you are a wind-up-merchant (or more appropriately a 'merchant banker! ) Do you by any chance get paid for being negative?

I am going to give some credit now by suggesting that the Huddersfield manager reads what you have to say here on this site and believe every word and is now planning his game accordingly! NOT

Kind Regards

[quote][p][bold]smhinto[/bold] wrote:
Yes here we go again - Gosling, Arter, Ward, Camp and Possibly Elphick all injured. Along with Buchel's inexperience.
.
If this is the case the chances of getting any kind of result at Huddersfield will be next to zero.[/p][/quote]what the 'kcuf' are you doing on here if you cannot give even a hint of positiveness about our tea, are you suicidal or do you just play at it! I know that you are a wind-up-merchant (or more appropriately a 'merchant banker! ) Do you by any chance get paid for being negative?
I am going to give some credit now by suggesting that the Huddersfield manager reads what you have to say here on this site and believe every word and is now planning his game accordingly! NOT
Kind Regardsnonnogeppetto

smhinto wrote:
Yes here we go again - Gosling, Arter, Ward, Camp and Possibly Elphick all injured. Along with Buchel's inexperience.
.
If this is the case the chances of getting any kind of result at Huddersfield will be next to zero.

what the 'kcuf' are you doing on here if you cannot give even a hint of positiveness about our tea, are you suicidal or do you just play at it! I know that you are a wind-up-merchant (or more appropriately a 'merchant banker! ) Do you by any chance get paid for being negative?

I am going to give some credit now by suggesting that the Huddersfield manager reads what you have to say here on this site and believe every word and is now planning his game accordingly! NOT

Kind Regards

Team

[quote][p][bold]nonnogeppetto[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]smhinto[/bold] wrote:
Yes here we go again - Gosling, Arter, Ward, Camp and Possibly Elphick all injured. Along with Buchel's inexperience.
.
If this is the case the chances of getting any kind of result at Huddersfield will be next to zero.[/p][/quote]what the 'kcuf' are you doing on here if you cannot give even a hint of positiveness about our tea, are you suicidal or do you just play at it! I know that you are a wind-up-merchant (or more appropriately a 'merchant banker! ) Do you by any chance get paid for being negative?
I am going to give some credit now by suggesting that the Huddersfield manager reads what you have to say here on this site and believe every word and is now planning his game accordingly! NOT
Kind Regards[/p][/quote]Teamnonnogeppetto

smhinto wrote:
Yes here we go again - Gosling, Arter, Ward, Camp and Possibly Elphick all injured. Along with Buchel's inexperience.
.
If this is the case the chances of getting any kind of result at Huddersfield will be next to zero.

Please please please go and " support " another team

[quote][p][bold]smhinto[/bold] wrote:
Yes here we go again - Gosling, Arter, Ward, Camp and Possibly Elphick all injured. Along with Buchel's inexperience.
.
If this is the case the chances of getting any kind of result at Huddersfield will be next to zero.[/p][/quote]Please please please go and " support " another teamgbzpto

New season same old **** from you know who. He only does it so that he can post at 4.58pm after the game that he told us so. Of course if we win or draw tomorrow you won't hear a peep out of him.

New season same old **** from you know who. He only does it so that he can post at 4.58pm after the game that he told us so. Of course if we win or draw tomorrow you won't hear a peep out of him.cherrygood

smhinto wrote: Yes here we go again - Gosling, Arter, Ward, Camp and Possibly Elphick all injured. Along with Buchel's inexperience. . If this is the case the chances of getting any kind of result at Huddersfield will be next to zero.

For everyone's sake on this site please please please try to be a little more optimistic this season, at this point last season some on here were predicting all sorts of negativity on the team and certain players and we all know what happened, these prophets of doom made complete prats of themselves !!!!!

It is fair to say that during pre season niggly injuries happen, it is a simple fact of football i'm afraid.
.
And yes Eddie may well be playing mind games concerning our injuries.
.
However, the fact remains, an injury crisis involving key players i.e. the goalkeeping situation and possibly having Ater and Gosling missing and no experience between the sticks will have an effect on the outcome of the game. If we were playing at home we may get away with it. We are playing away remember against a side who would want to impress at home.
.
It is not negativity at all - It is a simple fact of the game i.e injuries to key players will cost us results !!.
.
Regards

Hardly a crisis is it?

[quote][p][bold]smhinto[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]abc100[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]smhinto[/bold] wrote: Yes here we go again - Gosling, Arter, Ward, Camp and Possibly Elphick all injured. Along with Buchel's inexperience. . If this is the case the chances of getting any kind of result at Huddersfield will be next to zero.[/p][/quote]For everyone's sake on this site please please please try to be a little more optimistic this season, at this point last season some on here were predicting all sorts of negativity on the team and certain players and we all know what happened, these prophets of doom made complete prats of themselves !!!!![/p][/quote]It is fair to say that during pre season niggly injuries happen, it is a simple fact of football i'm afraid.
.
And yes Eddie may well be playing mind games concerning our injuries.
.
However, the fact remains, an injury crisis involving key players i.e. the goalkeeping situation and possibly having Ater and Gosling missing and no experience between the sticks will have an effect on the outcome of the game. If we were playing at home we may get away with it. We are playing away remember against a side who would want to impress at home.
.
It is not negativity at all - It is a simple fact of the game i.e injuries to key players will cost us results !!.
.
Regards[/p][/quote]Hardly a crisis is it?matt68

smhinto wrote:
Yes here we go again - Gosling, Arter, Ward, Camp and Possibly Elphick all injured. Along with Buchel's inexperience.
.
If this is the case the chances of getting any kind of result at Huddersfield will be next to zero.

w@nker

[quote][p][bold]smhinto[/bold] wrote:
Yes here we go again - Gosling, Arter, Ward, Camp and Possibly Elphick all injured. Along with Buchel's inexperience.
.
If this is the case the chances of getting any kind of result at Huddersfield will be next to zero.[/p][/quote]w@nkerSteeevo

smhinto wrote:
Yes here we go again - Gosling, Arter, Ward, Camp and Possibly Elphick all injured. Along with Buchel's inexperience.
.
If this is the case the chances of getting any kind of result at Huddersfield will be next to zero.

Told you so.
Full 1st team line up.
what was all the news about the injuries.

[quote][p][bold]smhinto[/bold] wrote:
Yes here we go again - Gosling, Arter, Ward, Camp and Possibly Elphick all injured. Along with Buchel's inexperience.
.
If this is the case the chances of getting any kind of result at Huddersfield will be next to zero.[/p][/quote]Told you so.
Full 1st team line up.
what was all the news about the injuries.holdinkæft

smhinto wrote:
Yes here we go again - Gosling, Arter, Ward, Camp and Possibly Elphick all injured. Along with Buchel's inexperience.
.
If this is the case the chances of getting any kind of result at Huddersfield will be next to zero.

Good one you wet wipe

[quote][p][bold]smhinto[/bold] wrote:
Yes here we go again - Gosling, Arter, Ward, Camp and Possibly Elphick all injured. Along with Buchel's inexperience.
.
If this is the case the chances of getting any kind of result at Huddersfield will be next to zero.[/p][/quote]Good one you wet wipeActualbournemouthsupporter